The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-17
MATTERS AT THE CAPITAL
How Hon. ]. Randolph Tucker Would
Solve the Mormon Problem.
Senator Voorhees, Undertakes to Convey an
Idea Of the Impression Cleveland Made
i'm Indiana-0ther Washington Items.
Mr. Tucker Would Solve 1t by Making Polyg-
amy u Crime Everywhere.

Mr. Tucker Would Solve IL by Making Poiyg-
amy n Crime Everywhere.
Washington Special.
The Hon. ]. Randolph Tucker. ex- Represent
alive from Virginia, was a member of the judi
cary committee in the last House, and in that
capacity was connected in a greater degree than
any other man in the Mormon legislation. Dir.
Tucker asked to-day:
what do you think of the Utah constitu-
tionai convention and the report of the COM
mission upon tT
1T 49," said he in reply, :" a phase of this in
teresting problem which / had anticipated in
my consideration of it in the last Congress. The
power Of Congress to govern the Territories gives
control over poiyeamy in them as long as they
remain in the condition of Territories but il once
admitted into the Union States that control
is now adopted by Utah condemning polygamy,
she will be competent to change it after her ad-
mission into the Union, any condition
DO imposed by Congress on her which
power. AS coequal member OF
the Union she can hold that relation only on like
reserved to her must be the same as those re-
served TO Virginia Massachusetts, That
being 10. to prevent polygamous member
from joining the Union is only possible in one
Of two ways: First, to keep Utah in the
Territorial condition permanently. But this ia
contrary TO the genius of our free institutions.
To govern an unrepresented people permanently
Ia worse than folly. 1t is an ofense to the prin-
ciples OF Anglo-American liberty. Temporary
government until the young Territory can take
her position In the Union as real State Is un-
avoidable. but it ought to cease soon as the
people are organized for real self government.
Second, the only other course TO be pursued Is
adopt the constitutional amendment
ported bv the judiciary committee of the
House ia May. 1886, and which, for lack of time.
could not be acted upon. It would have passed
the House with great certainty had it come to
vote. liz proposes to make polygamy
a crime everywhere in the Union, in
States and Territories q crime against sys-
tar M ri Wi q a
the Union and as monarchical government Is for
hidden TO every State. 1t then proposes to give
jurisdiction TO the courts of the United States
TO try this crime. and 20 Congress the power to
declare by law the punishment therefor. But
lest this should be construed into giving Con-
Rress power over the question of marriage and
divorces in the States the amend men proposed
excludes such construction by clear and en-
phatic language. If this amendment be adopted
can never be revived in that State or anywhere
else. hope to see it adopted, and then to see
Utah in the Union as State. Invested of this
institution, which is so alien so the American
idea of Christian civilization"
The proposed constitutional amendment re-
ferred to by Mr.. Tucker reads as follows:
Section l. The marriage relation by contract, or.
In fact. between one person of either SEX and more
than person of the other sex, shall be deemed
poygsmg Neither Poygsmy s NOR any ny 6
exist be lawful in place within the jurisdiction
of the United States or of any State
Sec. 2. The United States shall not, shall any
State make. or enforce any law which shall allow
polygany any poygamous association or cohabita-
ton between the sexes. but the United States and
every State shall prohibit the by law within
their respective jurisdictions.
Sec. 3. The judicial power of the United States
shall extend to the prosecution of the crimes of
poygamy and of poygamcus association cohabi-
tation between the under this article and Con-
gress shall have power to declare by law the punish
1nent therefor.
Sec. A. Nothing in the Constitution or this article
shall be construed to deny to State the exclusive
power subject to the provisions of this article to
make and enforce all laws concerning marriage and
divorce within its jurisdiction to vest in the United
States any power respecting the within any
State